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Anthropology Minor

College of Liberal Arts / Social Science
Undergraduate minor

About The Program

Why a minor in Anthropology?

The Anthropology minor is an ideal course of study for students interested in gaining a complex, analytical understanding of:

  • The great diversity and equality of human cultures;
  • Culture’s ability to shape people’s beliefs and promote social change;
  • Anthropological approaches to solving social problems.

The discipline of anthropology is dedicated to promoting respect for all cultural groups and social justice within and across societies.

What will I do in the minor?

Courses in the Anthropology Minor will teach:

  • The origins and development of human cultures and societies;
  • Social dimensions of difference and inequality;
  • The social impact of cultural diffusion and migratory flows.

Students in the Anthropology Minor will take between 19 and 20 credits of Anthropology courses.

What can I do with the minor?

An Anthropology Minor is an excellent complement to a number of majors. These include:

  • Professional programs such as psychology, law enforcement, criminal justice, human services, social work, and international business
  • Liberal arts programs in history, gender studies, professional communication, ethnic studies, or philosophy
  • More information on careers in anthropology can be found on the American Anthropological Association website.

Student outcomes

The learning outcomes for this minor provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter the 21st-century workplace, to:

  • know and understand the essential concepts of social science;
  • comprehend the historical foundations, theoretical paradigms, and research methods of social science;
  • develop higher order thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting social science literature;
  • write analytically in a style that is informed, well-reasoned, and literate;
  • recognize and understand differences of gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, religion, and social class;
  • understand and utilize a global perspective; and - to develop civic skills by participating in community-based learning and internships
  • become advocates and leaders in their communities, our nation, and the globe.

How to enroll

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Anthropology Minor now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Anthropology Minor

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Summary (19-20 credits)

+ Lower division elective (3 - 4 Credits)

Students hoping to transfer in lower division credits in Anthropology should meet with an advisor as soon as they declare their minor to see if a course substitution is possible. In some cases, lower division electives may be transferred in and accepted as a substitute course for ANTH 101.

What is evolution and how does it differ from common beliefs about human origins? Students investigate the evolution of humans and other primates, and the cultural and biological adaptations of modern humans to their environments. The course explores a variety of topics including: the origins of language and culture, fossil evidence for primate and hominid evolution, and human biological variation. Students also examine contemporary debates about human origins.

Full course description for Human Origins

+ Survey Course (4 credits)

CHOOSE ONE:

This course introduces the study of humanity from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students learn what anthropologists do, how they do it, and why. Exposure to the range of human possibilities, differences, and similarities will highlight the processes of enculturation in all societies. The course explores topics such as kinship, economics, religion, social control, globalization, culture change, and contemporary cultural issues affecting all humans.

Full course description for Approaches to Cultural Anthropology

What is gender? How can we understand differences in gender and sexuality? Through the perspective of cultural anthropology, students examine how gender is perceived and realized in a range of human societies. Discussions on the biological/cultural determinants of gender are considered. Ethnographic materials explore how gender varies cross culturally and historically and is related to social power. Students engage with contemporary debates surrounding such themes as marriage, family, human rights, and sexuality.

Full course description for Gender and Culture

+ Upper Division Electives (12 credits)

Students must take 3 upper division courses in anthropology. Students may substitute SSCI 300, SSCI 311, SSCI 401, or SSCI 411 for one upper division anthropology course.